Labor rage: Arrests as General Strike locks Spain

"At least 58 people have been arrested and nine injured in Spain, as thousands take part in a general strike and rally against recent labor reforms. Flag-waving protesters fear the decree will undo employers’ hands and thus rob them of their rights.
The 24-hour general strike began before dawn, along with pickets and sporadic clashes with police. Most of those arrested were detained in the early hours, after trying to stop night shift workers getting to their jobs on public transport, in factories and in wholesale markets.
Demonstrators burnt mattresses, tires and other debris in an attempt to keep workers from their jobs. A Molotov cocktail was even thrown at a police car in the eastern city of Murcia. The car was destroyed and two officers were injured by the flames.
Hundreds of flights were cancelled, several local TV stations went off air, and several factories shut down for the day, including the Nissan and Seat facilities in Catalonia. Hospitals provided only minimal care, while at least a third of public transport was halted..."

at http://rt.com/news/spain-labor-strike-protest-720/

The Rejection of Austerity Begins

"With national elections in Greece only a few weeks away, the coalition that rules the nation finds itself in trouble. Politicians who supported austerity measures as a means to get a bailout of the country’s finances face challenges from candidates who say the government went too far. The reaction is only natural. Many voters have been stripped of benefits, had salaries cut or have lost some form or another of their social safety nets. The upcoming election could sweep new members into parliament, and these new members may try to repeal or modify austerity agreements.
Greece is not the only nation that faces angry voters. Similar circumstances could affect elections in Portugal, Spain and even Italy. A referendum will be held in Ireland to seek support for the nation’s treaty with the European Union, a treaty that is the basis of Ireland’s bailout.
The rounds of national elections could be a year off or more, but this may make it more difficult for current leaders to keep their positions. Austerity’s bite could be felt the most in a few more quarters as governments cut expenses, which may push some nations into recessions, increase unemployment and cut the social services to the elderly..."

at http://247wallst.com/2012/03/28/the-rejection-of-austerity-begins/#ixzz1qQJlF5hd